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Research Communications Manager Jobs in Reston, VA

The Communications Manager will serve as the single-threaded owner for all proactive and reactive ... materials -Research and incorporate industry data, trends, and compelling angles into ...

The Communications Manager will serve as the single-threaded owner for all proactive and reactive ... materials -Research and incorporate industry data, trends, and compelling angles into ...

The Senior Communications Manager oversees public-facing content, stakeholder engagement, and ... researching and drafting timely responses to media inquiries. * Draft and circulate outreach ...

The Senior Communications Manager oversees public-facing content, stakeholder engagement, and ... researching and drafting timely responses to media inquiries. * Draft and circulate outreach ...

The Communications Manager will serve as the single-threaded owner for all proactive and reactive ... materials -Research and incorporate industry data, trends, and compelling angles into ...

External Communications Manager

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$138K - $194K/yr

The External Communications Manager supports the firm's proactive and reactive public relations ... Craft media messages, including research and writing of press releases, drafting of deal ...

Research Manager

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Lead research communications with MSA partners and internal stakeholders. * Manage high-level research partnerships with MSA partners including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors.

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Research Communications Manager information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.7K

$89.3K

$151.4K

How much do research communications manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for research communications manager in Reston, VA is $89,322.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,700.00 and $101,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research communications manager do?

A Research Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to share research findings with diverse audiences. They work closely with researchers, faculty, and external stakeholders to translate complex scientific information into accessible content. Their tasks often include writing press releases, managing research-related websites and social media, coordinating media interviews, and organizing public events. The goal is to increase the visibility and impact of research conducted within an organization.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a research communications manager?

To thrive as a Research Communications Manager, you need expertise in science or research communication, strong writing and editing abilities, and typically a degree in communications, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with digital publishing platforms, content management systems, and analytics tools is commonly expected. Outstanding interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex findings for diverse audiences set top performers apart. These capabilities are crucial for effectively sharing research impact, engaging stakeholders, and elevating an organization's visibility.

How does a research communications manager collaborate with researchers and other stakeholders?

A Research Communications Manager works closely with researchers, project leads, and public relations teams to translate complex research findings into clear, accessible messages for various audiences. This often involves organizing meetings to understand project goals, drafting press releases, coordinating with graphic designers for visual materials, and liaising with media contacts. Regular collaboration ensures that research outcomes are accurately represented and reach the intended stakeholders, including funders, policymakers, and the public. By fostering open communication and understanding the priorities of each team, the manager helps maximize the impact of research initiatives.

What is the difference between Research Communications Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Communications ManagerResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Communications, Journalism, or related field; often requires experience in science communicationMaster's or PhD in a scientific discipline; strong research and technical skills
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, media teams, communication departmentsLaboratories, research institutions, academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesAcademic, government, or private research organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding communication roles in research settingsUnderstanding scientific research roles and technical expertise

The Research Communications Manager focuses on translating complex research findings into accessible content for diverse audiences, often working closely with media and communication teams. In contrast, the Research Scientist conducts original scientific research, analyzing data and publishing findings. Both roles are essential in research environments but serve different functions related to communication versus technical research.

What are popular job titles related to Research Communications Manager jobs in Reston, VA?

For Research Communications Manager jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Communications Manager jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Communications Manager jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Research Communications Manager jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Research Communications Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Communications Manager job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,322 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Communications Manager, Stakeholder Engagement

Dc-Aapor

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$78 - $104/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

## Communications Manager, Stakeholder EngagementApplylocations: Washington, DC (Pew Research Center)time type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: R003247**Organization overview** Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research in the areas of U.S. politics and policy views; media and journalism; internet and technology; science and society; religion and public life; race and ethnicity; global attitudes and U.S. social and demographic trends. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. The Centerโ€™s work is carried out by a staff of about 180.**Position summary**Pew Research Center is expanding how we connect our research with the people who use and amplify it. Weโ€™re hiring a **Communications Manager for Stakeholder Engagement.**This position is**a two-year, limited-term role**to test, pioneer and deepen relationships with key audiences โ€” decisionmakers, practitioners and others who apply our data in real-world contexts. (The position will conclude October 31, 2028.)This is a new role at the juncture of communications, events and audience strategy. The focus isnโ€™t on reaching millions of people via social or website traffic โ€” itโ€™s on meaningfully seeking out and drawing in **people who can most use our research**for real-world impact.Youโ€™ll help design and deliver a growing portfolio of live and interactive experiences that bring our research to life and create direct connections between Center experts and the communities they inform. In this role, you will work across the Center to pilot different stakeholder models, monitor results and operationalize the best approaches. Success in this role means helping ensure the Center's research not only reaches key audiences, but is understood, discussed and applied in circles that strengthen its real-world impact. The role of this position is to test and measure innovative approaches that will help determine future strategy. Success in this role is as much about what we learn as it is delivering wins.**This is a** **term-limited, grant-funded position expected to last approximately 2 years.****Primary responsibilities** *Communications strategy and leadership** Under the guidance of the communications director and associate director, develop and oversee execution of communications plans for major research studies to build reach, influence and impact for the Centerโ€™s work. Identify target audiences, goals and dissemination strategies and tactics for major priorities while working within the overall institutional brand strategy.* Build strong relationships with the managing directors and staff of the research teams; digital producers and designers on the beat; and other researchers and staff across the Center.*Develop deeper relationships with priority audiences:** Work with Strategic Communications and Research staff to identify and prioritize key stakeholder groups (policy professionals, civic leaders, educators, etc.).* Build and manage targeted outreach and invitation strategies* Track engagement over time (attendance, repeat participation, follow-up actions)* Grow the addressable stakeholder audience for the Center*Lead stakeholder engagement through live experiences:** Plan and execute virtual, hybrid and/or in-person events, including webinars, briefings and small-group discussions in consultation with Strategic Communications colleagues.* Partner with research leaders and communications designers in the Center to shape compelling, accessible presentations of findings* Moderate or facilitate live sessions that encourage participation and dialogue* Help the Center build repeatable formats of engagement (series, office hours, stakeholder briefings)* Ensure follow-up with stakeholders after convenings and internal teams on learnings*Create new ways to connect research to practice:** Pilot digital, hybrid or in-person formats around:* Small convenings or roundtables* โ€œAsk a researcherโ€ sessions* Sector-specific briefings* Training-style sessions (how to use Center data)* Explore partnerships with organizations, associations or networks that convene key stakeholders in partnership with Strategic Communications colleagues*Collaborate across the organization:** Serve as a connector across research, communications and audience teams to identify engagement opportunities and ensure stakeholders receive coordinated outreach* Work with communications colleagues to build internal relationships that help surface the right experts, stakeholders and opportunities at the right time* Serve as a key partner to research teams in translating findings into experiences for stakeholders* Work with Strategic Communications colleagues to align stakeholder engagement with broader outreach strategies*Measure and refine impact:** Help build a digital events tech stack to manage attendees and host live experiences* Track engagement metrics beyond reach (e.g., registrations, attendance quality, repeat participation) in partnership with communications analysts* Identify what drives meaningful interaction and adjust strategy accordingly* Help set the pace for what โ€œsuccessโ€ looks like for stakeholder engagement at the Center* Gather feedback and insights from stakeholders to inform future engagement strategies and help the Center better understand audience needs* Identify emerging audience interests and opportunities to connect the Center research with real-world conversations and challenges**Knowledge and skills requirements*** A strong communicator who can translate complex ideas into clear, engaging live experiences* A builder who can visualize pilot approaches and turn them into repeatable flows* A strategist who can also be hands-on to test tools and produce events* Experienced in planning and running virtual and in-person events, webinars, and facilitated discussions* Comfortable working both in partnership with fellow communications colleagues and also directly with senior stakeholders and subject-matter experts* Skilled at building relationshipsโ€”not just audiences* Curious, creative, and eager to test new approaches**Education/training/experience requirements*** Bachelor's in public relations, communications, mass media, or related field.* 5-8+ years in communications, events, audience engagement, or related roles* Experience working in media, research, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations* Familiarity with virtual event platforms and engagement tools* Experience building partnerships or networks and maintaining stakeholder relationships* Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate across multiple teams and priorities* Experience engaging and facilitating discussion with professional or policy-oriented audiences is a plus**FLSA Status: Exempt****Compensation:**The typical starting salary for this position is $91,035 annually.**Hybrid Work Schedule:**Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Centerโ€™s Washington, D.C., office three core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week.**Application Procedure:**Click on the Apply button, and complete required fields. Both cover letter and resume are required.When requested, please upload a copy of your resume/cv, as well as a copy of your cover letter in the section labeled Resume/Cover Letter. If the documents have successfully uploaded, you should see 2 attached files beneath the โ€œDrop files hereโ€ box. Please make sure you have uploaded a resume AND a cover letter before moving on to the next page.**Total Rewards**In addition to competitive pay, Pew Research Centerโ€™s employees enjoy a robust total rewards packagethat includes:* Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits.* Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1* Employer-paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plans* Up to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year.* A 37.5-hour workweek.* Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component.* Flexibility to telework a portion of each week, with an additional four telework โ€œflex weeksโ€ each year for most staff.**EEO:** Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. #J-18808-Ljbffr